Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

Monkeypox: Next Global Health Emergency Hitting India in 2022

Subuhi Yasmeen, Rana Noor — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Monkeypox disease which is catalyzed by the zoonotic orthopox monkeypox virus is taking shape in the form of novel threat to the human lives not only in India but also worldwide creating a sense of fear and panic and gaining attention globally after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The present research article discusses about the current scenario and preparedness in India after the first case of the monkeypox disease that has hit the country and what are the master plans that the country should follow in the future to cease the virus transmission.

Level of Inflammation and its Association with Pain, Physical Functioning and KL-Grade in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Ayesha Kherani, Geeta Ibrahim, Zubair Sorathia — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis, causes a progressive loss of articular cartilage. In recent years, there has been a shift in the understanding of OA from a “wear and tear” disease to an “inflammatory” condition. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the level of inflammation and to evaluate the relationship between inflammation, pain, physical functioning, and Kellgren Lawrence (KL)-grade in patients with knee OA. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with radiographic evidence of knee OA (KL Grade I/II/III) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Data about their anthropometry, inflammatory markers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate-(ESR), pain, and physical functioning were collected. Results: The mean hsCRP among the patient population was 4.6 ± 4.0 mg/L and the mean ESR was 40.4 ± 21.8 mm/h. There was a strong significant association of visual analog scale (VAS) pain score with hsCRP (r = 0.353; P = 0.005) and ESR (r = 0.269; P = 0.036). There was a strong significant association of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index score with hsCRP (r = 0.415; P = 0.001) and ESR (r = 0.413, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in hsCRP or ESR when classified according to KL-grade (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The level of inflammation is high in knee OA patients. Inflammation is significantly associated with pain intensity and physical functioning in knee OA patients. However, there is no significant difference in hsCRP, ESR, and VAS when classified according to KL-grade. This emphasizes the need to study inflammatory markers in addition to radiographic evidence for informed clinical decision-making.

A Study to Assess the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults of Age 18–30 Years in Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram District, Kerala

Asif Asfan Parangodath, Unnikrishnan Payyappallimana — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit India in 2020. The first case of infection was reported in the State of Kerala on January 27, 2020, and the continuous surge of cases, variants of concern, lockdown restrictions, social distancing, and economic impacts were increasingly testing the psychological resilience of the masses. When the global focus has been chiefly on testing, preventing transmission, and vaccination, people are going through a myriad of psychological problems in adjusting to their current lifestyles and fear of the disease. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted using principles of convenience sampling and by invitation through text messages to participants. The survey collected data on socio-demographic details and specific incidents that triggered participants’ mental health and measured psychological impact with the help of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scale. Results: There were 275 responses from the Vengara Panchayath of Malappuram district, Kerala. The respondents’ ages ranged from 18 to 30. Overall, 93.54% of respondents had an extended psychological impact (IES-R score>24). Using the Chi-square test, there is no significant association between the demographic variables and the psychological impacts of COVID-19. Financial hardship during COVID-19 triggered respondents’ mental health (Male-62.67%, Female-58.4%). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, almost one-third of respondents had a significant psychological impact. This shows a need for a more longitudinal and systematic assessment of the psychological needs of the population, which can help the government formulate holistic interventions for affected individuals.